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Federal University Oye-Ekiti has
sought collaboration with the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi in the
area of cultural expansion. This, the university demonstrated recently through
its Theatre Arts Department on an occasion of dance and drama performances known as an Evening of Culture with Oonirisa held recently at the palace of the
monarch.

The event, which witnessed an
impressive performance by the dance and drama groups comprising both staff and
students, had in attendance the monarch himself and guests from within and
outside the country. The young and amiable monarch was thrilled to the
admiration of all the participants, and could not hide his joy but clapped and beamed
smiles throughout the performance.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor,
the Head of Ikole campus of the university, Professor Olugbenga Amu, said the
team was there first, to celebrate with the monarch on his coronation, and then
seek areas of cooperation that would be mutually beneficial to the kingdom as
well as the institution. He stated that FUOYE had watched with keen interest
the pet project of the traditional ruler on culture and tourism and therefore
would not hesitate to tap from it. This, he revealed would be through a
proposed establishment of Centre for Culture and Research and Development
within the university’s Faculty of Arts. Professor Amu also said the laudable
initiative of the monarch in cultural renaissance would be of help to Federal
University Oye-Ekiti’s proposed cultural centre.

Earlier, the Dean Faculty of Arts,
leader of the cultural troupe and initiator of the programme, Professor Ojo
Rasaki Bakare, revealed that the event was made possible through the effort of
Mr. Tope Agbeyo who, he said, facilitated the programme right from inception to
the execution. Professor Bakare equally stated that as soon as the paper works
on the proposed Ooni Centre for Cultural Research and Development were completed,
the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Soremekun would
personally make the presentation to the Ooni. He gave the assurance that no
effort would be spared in actualizing the dream with the assistance of the
Royal Father.

Responding, the monarch said he was
quite delighted by the initiative of the visiting group, and announced that he
would continue to expand his pet project on culture and tourism. He revealed
that he was already working out modalities for an annual competition for
universities through a Festival of Arts and Culture for all Tertiary Institutions.

According to the Royal Father, part
of the social woes that our country suffers today is as a result of neglect for
the nation’s rich cultural heritage. He therefore stressed the need to go back
to them. He said human cultural potentials especially in Africa were being grossly
underutilized hence, his idea of a pet project on cultural rebirth beginning
with his kingdom, which he described as a land of expansion. The monarch
expressed delight over what he described as an incredible performance by the
visiting troupe. He called for sustained peaceful coexistence among people
irrespective of race or religion assuring that the relationship between his
kingdom and FUOYE would continue to be cordial and mutually beneficial. Even as
the relationship is still at cradle stage, the monarch promised to do
everything possible to support the young institution in its quest for cultural
advancement.

Also speaking, the facilitator of the
programme, Mr. Tope Agbeyo said he and other well-meaning citizens would rally
round the monarch to ensure that the monarch’s project on culture and tourism
turned out a success. He also expressed delight at the performance by the
Troupe which he again described as incredible. Mr. Agbeyo viewed his role of
facilitation in the entire event as a corporate social responsibility.

The FUOYE cultural troupe thrilled
the gathering with a total of six different dances selected from across Nigeria
which included Obitun dance, Akoto dance, and Apepe dance. Others were Drum
Evocation dance, Ugo dance and Egwu Odum dance as well as an abridged version
of the drama, Moremi.

Director, FUOYE Distant Learning Centre,
Professor Wole Atere, expressed delight with the monarch’s kind disposition and
expressed the willingness of FUOYE to continue to key into his laudable
programmes especially on culture and tourism. The Head of Department of Theater
and Media Arts, Dr. Femi Adeseye, was on ground to render support to the team
alongside other members of staff of the department. The Registrar, Federal
University, Mr. D. A. Adeyemo, was at the occasion.

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